If you were still hoping that Android 16 might finally let you run apps in floating windows on your foldable, you might want to temper those expectations. Despite the larger screens on foldables like the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Android 16 won\u2019t support on-device windowing for them.<\/p>\n
That clarification comes from a Google response to Ars Technica<\/a>, confirming that phones and foldables won\u2019t be able to multitask with freeform app windows on their screens. Instead, they\u2019ll only be able to use Android\u2019s new desktop-style interface when connected to an external display like a monitor or TV. The only devices getting windowing on their built-in screens for now are tablets.<\/p>\n Mishaal Rahman \/ Android Authority<\/p>\n Even the external-display windowing feature won\u2019t be guaranteed across the board on larger handsets. Google says it\u2019ll be up to individual manufacturers whether or not their phones support Desktop Mode<\/a> at all. So while Pixel devices will support windowing on external screens, others might stick to basic display mirroring with no added functionality.<\/p>\n The rest of Android 16 still\u00a0strongly advocates for better large-screen support. Apps targeting the update will mostly be resizable by default<\/a> on bigger displays, which should help make better use of space on tablets and foldables alike. It\u2019s becoming mandatory, but developers can temporarily opt out\u00a0until Android 17, and games are currently exempt.<\/p>\n Whatever the consumer demand for on-device windowing, it seems like only a matter of time before it happens. This is just a small reality check for anyone who might have been expecting foldables to become mini desktops overnight.<\/p>\n![\"Foldables](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Pixel_8_Pro_mirror_to_external_display_1-e1710870934787.jpg\"\/)
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